Teacher found guilty of indecently assaulting pupil

A public school housemaster who sexually assaulted one of his pupils was jailed for two-and-a-half years today.

Ian Sarginson, 44, engaged in sexual acts with the schoolboy over a two-year period at his flat at Wellington School, Somerset, where he was a maths teacher.

At Taunton crown court, Judge Graham Hume Jones said Sarginson, formerly of Barnmeads Road, Wellington, had committed a "serious breach of trust" and "taken advantage of a young boy".

He added that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reason, continues to be a "very troubled young man" as a result of the offences. Sarginson pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault with the boy, who was 14 when the offences started. He had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of gross indecency but had the conviction quashed after sentencing in September last year.

The administration court quashed the conviction because at the time the offences took place gross indecency charges could only apply to somebody under the age of 14.

Sarginson was then remanded in custody on three new charges of indecent assault. The court heard today how Sarginson assaulted the pupil twice between December 9 1998 and March 31 1999 and once between July 1 1999 and September 30 1999 after developing a "fascination" for him.

Michael Cullum, prosecuting, said the teacher touched the boy's leg and put the pupil's hand on his crotch. He then indulged in a sexual act with the boy.

Mr Cullum said similar encounters happened on at least two further occasions. It was only when the boy told Sarginson he must tell the headmaster about the incident or he would go to the police, that the teacher informed the school and resigned.

The boy has since developed an alcohol problem and his school work has suffered, Mr Cullum said.

In mitigation, Alan Large, said: "Mr Sarginson knew he had done wrong, he went to see the head teacher and told him what happened. He confessed to police and pleaded guilty at the earliest stage.

"This is a man who has done the right thing all the way through."

He added that Sarginson had an alcohol problem at the time of the offences but had now dealt with it and was in a stable relationship. Sentencing, Judge Hume Jones said: "The offences were committed in circumstances which were a serious breach of trust.

"You were in a position where you took advantage of a young pupil."

Sarginson will remain on licence for three years after his prison sentence and will remain on the sex offenders' register for an indefinite period. He is also banned for life from working with children.